By Rachel Magday   The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya, under the leadership of Governor Attorney Jose V. Gambito, proudly honored Blezzie Tiken, a talented 4th-year student from Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) Bambang campus, for her extraordinary achievements at the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA). This prestigious event, often referred to as the “Olympics of the Arts,” took place in Long Beach, Hollywood, USA, on June 26, 2024, where Blezzie brought home both a gold medal and a silver medal. The WCOPA showcases exceptional talent in singing, dancing, and acting, attracting participants from 63 countries, with the Philippines fielding the largest delegation of 67 contestants. Blezzie’s impressive performance earned her the title of Division Champion in the senior category for Broadway vocal solo, along with a silver badge for her status as a semi-finalist. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “I auditioned in Baguio City and was fortunate to be selected. I am a member of the NVSU choir and have participated in various competitions before, but I hadn’t won.” Despite competing against a diverse array of talent and wearing a simple outfit, Blezzie captivated the judges with her emotional delivery and stage presence. “The judges look for emotion in the performance. It’s not just about having a beautiful voice; it’s about how you tell the story of the song and connect with the audience,” she explained. In addition to the recognition from the Local Chief Executive,the Sangguniang Panlalawigan also passed a resolution commending Blezzie for her talent and dedication, highlighting the honor she has brought not only to Nueva Vizcaya but also to the entire nation . Governor Gambito expressed, “Blezzie’s accomplishments are a shining example of the incredible potential within our youth. Her success not only elevates our province but also inspires others to pursue their dreams with passion and determination.    

The Provincial Government of Isabela (PGI) took a significant step toward digital transformation in local governance by conducting an orientation session on August 20, 2024, titled “Empowering Provincial Governance: An Orientation to the eGOV PH App for the Government of Isabela Officers and Employees”, at the Blue Conference Room, Provincial Capitol. Organized by the Provincial Governor’s Office – Management Information Systems (MIS) in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Isabela, the orientation aimed to familiarize PGI employees with the eGOV PH super app. DICT-Isabela Provincial Officer Cirilo N. Gazzingan underscored the importance of digitalization, urging attendees to “not fall in line, but go online.” He provided a comprehensive walkthrough of the app, highlighting its potential to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of public administration. Gazzingan explained that the platform is designed to streamline workflows and improve public service delivery. Key features include a digital version of the national ID (PhilSys ID) and access to employees’ GSIS, PhilHealth, PAGIBIG, and other national government services with just a click. He also assured users of the app’s safety and security. Beyond national services, the app offers access to local government services such as business permits, cedula issuance, and LGU websites. Other features include job applications through eJobs, information on tourist spots, access to local health service providers, agricultural news, OWWA services, among others. Launched in 2023, eGOV PH is a mobile application designed to streamline interactions between citizens and the government. This platform unifies various government services through a comprehensive online system, aiming to reduce the economic burdens on citizens by providing public services at their fingertips.

By Rachel Magday BAYOMBONG,Nueva Vizcaya –“Thank you for your P200 million donation for Brgy Malico, Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya,” declared Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito in response to Governor Ramon V. Guico III of Pangasinan’s recent challenge. Governor Guico had urged Nueva Vizcaya to match the PHP 200 million allocated for development before claiming ownership of Malico, a barangay that has long been a point of contention between Sta. Fe,Nueva Vizcaya and San Nicolas,Pangasinan. In a local media interview, Governor Gambito emphasized that the boundary dispute over Malico has already been resolved, asserting that the barangay is officially part of Nueva Vizcaya. He pointed out that the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources(DENR) had delineated the boundaries through a mutually agreed-upon survey, formalized in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by both parties. “There is no longer any boundary dispute to discuss,” Gambito stated firmly. “The NAMRIA delineation has settled the issue, and it was based on a memorandum of agreement that both parties fully perfected and signed.” Gambito further defended the legitimacy of the agreement, asserting that no laws were violated during the process. “The contract has been consummated, as the completed NAMRIA survey has already delineated the boundaries. There is nothing left to do but respect the results of this agreement. Everything is now a fait accompli.” Highlighting the cultural significance of Malico, Gambito noted that it is an ancestral domain of the Kalanguya tribe, an Indigenous Peoples (IP) group native to Nueva Vizcaya. He stressed the importance of respecting the rights and heritage of the Kalanguya people in any discussions regarding the area. Additionally, he mentioned that the source of electricity for Malico comes from the Nueva Vizcaya Electric Cooperative, further solidifying the barangay’s connection to the province. Gambito also noted that provincial officials of Nueva Vizcaya have not neglected Malico in terms of developmental projects. He highlighted that it was under the leadership of then-Congressman Carlos M. Padilla that the initiative was taken to open and eventually concrete the Nueva Vizcaya-Pangasinan Road.   The completion of this road has paved the way for Malico’s tourism potential, making it more accessible to visitors and enhancing economic opportunities for the local community.   While Gambito expressed gratitude for the P200 million donation, he also voiced concerns regarding Pangasinan’s potential investments in Malico. He warned that such actions could lead to allegations of technical malversation. “If Pangasinan invests in Malico, they would be spending public funds in a territory that falls within the jurisdiction of another local government unit,” he cautioned. “This is a friendly reminder to Governor Guico to carefully consider their plans, as they may expose themselves to legal complications.” According to Gambito, he views the P200 million as a donation because Pangasinan cannot undertake projects in Malico, given that it is not part of their jurisdiction. Gambito further reminded Governor Guico that engaging in projects in an area not under their administrative control could be in violation of regulations set forth by the Commission on Audit (COA)  

CAMP MAJOR SATURNINO DUMLAO, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya – A 58-year-old married farmer and former CTG member (non-PSRTG listed) from Ambaguio, Nueva Vizcaya, voluntarily withdraw his support to the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and expressed his allegiance to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on August 6. Joint operation conducted by personnel of 1st Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Mobile Force Company (NVPMFC) in coordination with Ambaguio Police Station, facilitated the surrender of a.k.a Arnold and his renunciation of support to the CTG. During the initial interview, Arnold disclosed his involvement with the CTG dating back to 1998 when he was recruited after a meeting at Brgy. Vista Hill, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. He recounted his training in combat operations and raid at Sitio Ginamgaman, Brgy. Dulli, Ambaguio, Nueva Vizcaya, as well as a planned attack in Sitio Dinagat, Nalungtutan, Nagtipunan, Quirino, in 2005. In 2008, Arnold decided to leave the group during a training session in Sitio Bagtong Tubo, Brgy. Runruno, Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya, and went into hiding in Sitio Ugaw, Brgy. Labang, Ambaguio, Nueva Vizcaya. Due to escalating encounters in the municipality in 2010, ARNOLD chose to lie low until now. He sought to surrender to ensure his safety, vindicate his name, and support the government’s efforts in ending insurgency. He is currently undergoing custodial debriefing and documentation to facilitate his proper disposition and ensure appropriate support for his reintegration into mainstream society. Col. Camlon Nasdoman, provincial director said that the accomplishment underscores the continuing commitment of NOVO COPS to seek peace and stability by encouraging former insurgents to lay down their arms, reintegrate into society, and support government initiatives that promote peace and development within the province.      

BATANES — The Social Security System (SSS) said that over 2,000 job order (JO) workers of the Provincial Local Government (PLGU) of Batanes will now have social security protection under the KaSSSangga Collect Program (KCP) after Batanes becomes the newest implementer of the program. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet and Batanes Governor Marilou H. Cayco inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that allows the provincial government’s JO workers to get social security coverage from SSS under the KCP. “This only shows SSS is committed to its mandate of expanding social security protection and services to all working Filipinos up to the last mile provinces in the Philippines like Batanes,” Macasaet said. Macasaet explained that under the KCP, PLGU’s JO workers will be registered as SSS self-employed members. At the same time, PLGU Batanes will serve as the SSS collecting partner, who shall collect the contributions of the JO workers through a salary deduction scheme and remit them to the SSS. “The timely remittance of monthly premiums will ensure that JO workers are qualified to avail of SSS benefits and loan privileges in times of emergencies,” Macasaet said. He explained that JO workers, as self-employed members, could avail of SSS benefits like sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, and funeral. “They can also avail of loan privileges such as salary and calamity loans.” In addition to SSS benefits, he added that they are entitled to receive Employees’ Compensation (EC) benefits in case of work-connected sickness, injury, or death.          

By Rachel Magday       PLGU Nueva Vizcaya BAYOMBONG,Nueva Vizcaya — The Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya under the leadership of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito has been honored for its exceptional initiatives in combating trafficking and violence against women and children (VAWC). In the recent Functionality Assessment for the Calendar Year 2023, conducted by the Regional Assessment Team for the Local Committee Against Trafficking & Violence Against Women and their Children (LCAT-VAWC), Nueva Vizcaya achieved a Highly Functional rating. Out of the province’s 15 municipalities, 13 were also rated Highly Functional, while the remaining 2 received a Moderately Functional rating. This assessment underscores Nueva Vizcaya’s commitment and effectiveness in addressing these critical issues. The LCAT-VAWC Functionality Assessment is a vital tool for evaluating the performance of local government units (LGUs) in their efforts to combat trafficking and VAWC. It serves as a basis for policy-making and capacity development, aiming to strengthen the capabilities of LGUs in eliminating these grave societal problems. Governor Gambito expressed pride in the province’s accomplishments and reaffirmed Nueva Vizcaya’s dedication to safeguarding the rights and welfare of women and children. “This recognition is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our local officials and community partners. We will continue to strive for excellence and ensure that our province remains a safe haven for all,” said Governor Gambito. He added, “Our goal is to create a community where every individual, especially women and children, can live free from fear and harm. This Highly Functional rating inspires us to push forward with even greater resolve.” The recognition of Nueva Vizcaya’s efforts highlights the crucial role of sustained and coordinated action in the fight against trafficking and VAWC. It also emphasizes the importance of local governance in driving meaningful change and protecting vulnerable populations.

By Rachel Magday   BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya –Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, alongside Vice Governor Eufemia Ang-Dacayo and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, unveiled the new mobile primary care facility for the province of Nueva Vizcaya. The blessing ceremony, which took place after Monday’s flag raising ceremony, was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Health, Malacañang, and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, underscoring the PBBM administration’s commitment to enhancing public health infrastructure. The state-of-the-art mobile unit, designed as a bus, is equipped with advanced digital x-ray machines, ultrasound equipment, and state-of-the-art laboratory tools. This cutting-edge technology aims to improve the accessibility of healthcare services, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. Governor Gambito expressed his enthusiasm for the new facility, stating, “The introduction of this mobile primary care unit marks a significant milestone in our efforts to provide quality healthcare services to all our constituents. I am grateful for the support and collaboration from Malacañang and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos that have made this initiative possible.” He added, “This mobile unit represents our administration’s dedication to ensuring that no one is left behind in terms of healthcare access. We are committed to reaching even the most remote areas to provide the necessary medical services.” Vice Governor Dacayo also emphasized the importance of the project in bridging the healthcare gap in remote communities. “This mobile unit will bring essential medical services directly to those who need it most, ensuring that healthcare is accessible to all,” she stated. The new mobile primary care facility is poised to begin operations promptly, bringing vital healthcare services to underserved communities. This initiative not only showcases the administration’s dedication to public health but also sets a precedent for future projects aimed at improving healthcare accessibility and quality of life for all residents.

By Badz Heralde      CPIO   TUGUEGARAO CITY — Pinangunahan ni Senator Mark Villar kasama si Gov. Manuel Mamba ang pamamahagi ng tulong pinansiyal sa mga barangay official sa lungsod ng Tuguegarao, noong Lunes, Hulyo 15. Nabigyan ng tig-P1,000 ang nasa 864 na Punong Barangay, Secretary, Treasurer, Barangay Kagawad, Health Worker, at Nutrition Scholars mula sa lungsod ng Tuguegarao. Ang pondo ay tulong ng Senador at ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) sa mga barangay official. Ito ay paunang bilang sa kabuuang 14,781 na aasahang makatatanggap ng nasabing tulong. Sa panayam kay Sen. Villar, sinabi niyang hindi lamang ito ang maibababang tulong sa Cagayan dahil aasahang tutulong ito upang maging “Premier Province” ang lalawigan. Aniya, aalamin ng kanyang tanggapan kung ano pa ang maaring maitulong bukod sa imprastraktura at social services. Ipinangako rin ng Senador na ginagawang prayoridad ng kanyang opisina ang anumang hiling para sa ikauunlad ng Cagayan. “Una po gusto kong malaman kung ano yung kailangan, kung ano yung mga proyekto at ayuda na kailangan sa Cagayan. Alam niyo naman po yung pamilya ng asawa ko, ang biyenan ko po ay dito sa Cagayan, gusto ko pong makasama ang mga Cagayano para malaman pa ang pangangailangan sa lahat, sa imprastraktura, sa social services para maasikaso ko sa national government pagbalik ko sa Senado. First priority lahat ng request ng Cagayan, yan ang commitment ko,” pahayag ng Senador. Upang maging premiere province aniya ang Cagayan, kanyang hiniling sa mga barangay officials na suportahan ang “One Cagayan” movement na isinusulong ng kanyang biyenan na si Ret. General Edgar “Manong Egay” Aglipay na may layuning pagkaisahin ang mga lider ng Cagayan para sa iisang adhikaing mapaunlad ang lalawigan. “Naniniwala po ako sa layunin ng One Cagayan movement led by my father-in-law; kaya po sana suportahan natin ang One Cagayan. Ang One Cagayan ang maghahatid ng tunay na kaunlaran. Ito na po ang pagkakataon nating magtrabaho upang maging premiere province muli ang Cagayan. Gusto ko lang sabihin sa inyo na ako po ay committed sa Cagayan. Mayroon na po kaming bahay dito ng asawa ko [Emelyn Aglipay-Villar]. Kung kailangan pabalik-balik, linggo-linggo ako dito sa Cagayan para siguraduhin na makakarating ang lahat ng tulong,” pahayag pa ng Senador. Si Senator Villar ay adopted son of Cagayan na siyang nasa likod ng itinayong Abusag bridge sa bayan ng Baggao at Camalanuigan-Aparri bridge noong siya pa ang kalihim ng Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Kaugnay rito, hinimok naman ni Gov. Mamba ang mga barangay official na maging instrumento sa tamang pagpili ng lider ngayong nalalapit na 2025 midterm election. Kanyang ipinabatid na kung kailangang maging partisan ay para doon sa mayroong mabuting intensyon at hindi sa pansariling interes. Ito rin aniya ang dahilan kung bakit pinili niya si “Manong Egay” na i-endorso upang maging susunod na Gobernador ng Cagayan. “Kaya si Manong Egay ang pinili ko; he knows the direction; he knows that there is hope for every Cagayano. I hope you see this. Kayo sa barangay huwag naman pera-pera lang. Hindi pwedeng sinosolo natin ito, kailangan natin si Villar, si Aglipay, hindi pwedeng sinosolo natin ito because we have bigger plans not for ourselves but for our children. Ngayon, let us be partisan for what is best,” paglalahad ng Gobernador. Muli rin niyang ibahagi ang kanyang pagnanais na muling maging tanyag ang Cagayan katulad noon. “Cagayan has always been the premiere province. Ang Aparri ay kilala na sa buong Pilipinas. We were the center of education, religion, of government but through the years nagsara ang ating port, kami na ang pinakamahirap because we are the farthest sa market, sa Manila. Papayag na ba tayo na ganito nalang tayo. Ito po ang pianglalaban natin, kulang po si Gov. Manuel Mamba. We could be better. Pakiusap ko lang let us be together, tama na yung presyo-presyo, let us plan out for the next generation,” pagtatapos ni Gov. Mamba. Samantala, personal namang nagpasalamat si Ret.General Aglipay sa kanyang manugang sa tulong na ibinaba sa Cagayan. Kanya ring tiniyak na sa pamamagitan ng kanyang “One Cagayan” ay mas lalo pang madarama ng mga Cagayano ang progreso. Dumalo rin sa distribusyon ang Unang Ginang ng lalawigan na si Atty. Mabel Villarica-Mamba, Provincial Administrator Atty. Maria Rosario Mamba-Villaflor, Mayor Maila Ting-Que, dating Congressman ng Tuguegarao na si Randy Ting, iba’t ibang alkalde at lokal na opisyal ng mga local government unit, kawani ng Provincial Office for People Empowerment (POPE), at DSWD.

By Badz Heralde   TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — Pinarangalan ni Pangulong Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos Jr. ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Cagayan kasabay ng naganap na selebrasyon ng Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development Week na inorganisa ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) sa Malacañang Palace, Manila,noong Hulyo 10. Mismong si Governor Manuel Mamba, Engr. Pearlita Mabasa, Provincial Agriculturist. at En.P Jennifer Junio-Baquiran, Provincial Tourism Officer ang tumanggap sa parangal na iginawad ng Pangulo. Ang parangal na iginawad ay ang “Presidential Recognition for Outstanding Development Partners on Enhancing Management and Labor Capacities”. Ang pagkilala ay ibinibigay sa mga stakeholder sa kanilang natatanging kontribusyon sa pag-unlad ng ekonomiya sa pamamagitan ng pagtulong sa mga MSME. Kinilala ang PGC dahil sa matagumpay na pagkakatatag at operasyon ng Cagayan Farm School and Agri-Tourism Center sa Aquiray, Amulung, Cagayan na itinatag ni Gov. Mamba na may layuning mabigyan ng lugar ang mga magsasaka upang magsanay sa iba’t ibang makabagong teknolohiya at pamamaraan sa pagsasaka. Ito rin ang kauna-unahang Department of Tourism-Accredited Provincial LGU-owned farm site sa buong Rehiyon Dos. Sa ngayon, libo-libong mga magsasaka, miyembro ng mga organisasyon ng kababaihan, at kabataan ang nagsasanay sa mga iba’t ibang paggawa ng produkto na makakatulong sa kanila sa pagbuo ng maliliit na negosyo.